Description:

Summary: A Government Entity seeks an experienced generalist attorney to join its legal team to serve as support for the South Bend Human Rights Commission, South Bend Animal Resource Center, and assist with support for the City's Access to Public Records Act requests. Responsibility for additional departments or practice areas may be assigned based on need as well as attorney experience and/or developmental interest. Excellent writing and analytical ability, sound academic credentials, and good character and interpersonal skills are all essential for success in this role. The selected individual will interact with a team of attorneys and City leadership and employees to provide daily legal advice to further the City's strategic goals and preserve its legal and ethical integrity.

Supervision Exercised: None.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Critical competencies include, but are not limited to, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and accountability. The following list represents the types of duties required by this position. Other duties may be assigned as reasonably expected.

Research and advise the staff of the South Bend Human Rights Commission and the South Bend Animal Resource Center, and other City leadership and employees on legal matters, including but not limited to issues related to Federal, State, and City laws related to employment, housing, and other discrimination; Federal, State, and City laws related to animal welfare; and general contract and litigation concerns.
Represent the City in public meetings and assist team members with claims and litigation related to the South Bend Human Rights Commission and the South Bend Animal Resource Center, and any other assigned department.
Assist with the review of and response to Access to Public Records Act requests.
Draft, negotiate, and review contracts and other legal documents.
Assume direct responsibility for work and work independently.
Communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively.
Maintain quality work product and professionalism, even when managing multiple projects with competing deadlines.
Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, as well as ability to work independently.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
Coordinate or participate in special projects, as assigned.
Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as assigned, as apparent, or as delegated.
Uphold the City's core values of accountability, inclusion, excellence, innovation, and empowerment.

Non-Essential/Marginal Functions: Other duties or functions may be added as needed.

Qualifications: To perform this position successfully, an individual must be highly motivated and able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education / Other Qualifications:

Juris Doctor Degree from accredited law school.
Admitted to the bar and in good standing in the State of Indiana.
Minimum of 3 years as a licensed attorney.
Good character and interpersonal skills.
Excellent writing and analytical ability.
Willingness and desire to learn.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Indiana Bar Admission

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred

Experience with discrimination laws.
Experience with animal welfare laws.
Experience with litigation and/or claims.
Experience with drafting legal documents for, and participating in, administrative law proceedings.
Experience with drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts.
Knowledge of municipal law.
Experience with Indiana Open Door Law and Access to Public Records Act.
Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, but with the ability to work independently.

Equipment: Computer, telephone, and copier.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and walk, and talk or hear. The employee is required to type, use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: Work is typically performed in on-site in office settings, with moderate inside temperatures. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office. Entire office is smoke free.

Position Requirements:
Required Pre-Employment Drug Screen and Background Check